It took just three words for Sir Alex Ferguson to reveal his inner feelings as
his career at Manchester United drew to a close. And three words were all
the world would get.

The retiring manager saw out the final moments of his career watching his side throw away a three goal lead on two occasions as West Bromwich Albion battled back to earn a 5-5 draw in an incredible encounter.

But if that took the shine off his incredible reign, if only in the short term, only he knows.

Ferguson refused to give interviews after the game and his sole spoken words to the media were “emotional, very emotional”, after he took to a football dugout for the final time and waved goodbye to the Manchester United fans who made it into the Hawthorns to show their thanks to the man that brought them 894 wins over a trophy-laden 27 years.

It was left to Steve Clarke, the West Brom manager, to reveal more of Ferguson’s post-match, post-season, post-career feelings.

The fellow Scot did accompany him for the customary glass of red wine after the final whistle and said Ferguson was far from despondent at his side failing to win his 1500th and final game as manager, a period during which he has changed the landscape of the English game.

“I think he’s just ready for his retirement to be honest,” Clarke said. “He said it was a great game, he complimented us on the way we played. For Sir Alex, it’s a great occasion, it’s a great finale.

“He’ll remember that game. I think anybody who was here in the stadium will remember that game for years to come. I think that’s a good tribute.

“I’m not sure Sir Alex would say that it was a fitting way to end. He told me it’s the first time that any team he’s been involved with has given away a three-goal lead – and they did it twice in one game. That’s something for us to savour.”

In fact, United have given away three-goal leads before, but Ferguson could be forgiven misty memories to go with his misty eyes on such a landmark day.

“He is what he is, Sir Alex. He’s a good guy, he always speaks well. He was quite complimentary about our season as a club. I wished him all the best in his retirement,” Clarke added.

“It’s great that he’s gone out as a champion. He deserves to enjoy his retirement.”

Ferguson now hands over control to David Moyes, but the Premier League’s top scorer, Robin van Persie, who scored his 26th in the competition, does not fear the trophies drying up just because the man who has led them to 38 has moved on.

“This is a great bunch of players,” explained the Dutchman. “Everybody wants to work for each other and share the success and I’m 100 per cent sure that we will play for trophies every year and, hopefully, win a few every year. That’s our standard for this team.

“We did this together and I’m so happy with how everything went. This is a great team and, hopefully, we can go for even more trophies. I’m sure we can.

“Of course, we get a new manager next year and everybody is looking forward to that. It’s a new challenge for everyone. We'll have a nice break now and then we go again.

Van Persie bemoaned his side’s failure to see out the game, but was happy it was an entertaining finale.

“I was waiting for some Fergie time, you know, at the end,” Van Persie added. “But it didn’t happen. It was good fun for everyone, to score 10 goals, so I think the fans are pleased.”

Michael Carrick also insisted that the Premier League champions would be ready for the new era under Moyes which begins officially on July 1.

“We’ve thanked the manager for everything he’s done and he’s thanked us. We’re ready to move on and there are new challenges for all of us," he said.

“We’re looking forward to it. The manager wanted to win but the job for the season is done. I’m sure he can retire very satisfied.”